The best MTB trails around Chudleigh
4.3
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4,589
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95
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Mountain biking around Chudleigh offers diverse terrain across rolling countryside and lush valleys in Devon, England. The area is characterized by the extensive woodlands of Haldon Forest Park and the rugged moorlands of nearby Dartmoor National Park. These natural features provide a varied landscape for mountain bikers, from dedicated trail centers to more expansive natural routes. The region's geology includes limestone cliffs and varied elevations, contributing to a range of trail experiences.
Best mountain bike trails around Chudleigh
- The most popular mountain bike trail is Haldon Forest loop of the ridge, a 5.2 miles (8.4 km) trail that takes 44 minutes to complete. This route offers a balanced ride through the managed forest environment.
- Another top favourite among local mountain bikers is Haldon Forest loop of the blue Spicers & Kiddens trails, a moderate 6.3 miles (10.1 km) path. This trail winds through the varied forest landscape, combining designated blue-graded sections.
- Local mountain bikers also love the Kiddens Trail – Kiddens Trail loop from Haldon Forest Park, a 13.1 miles (21.1 km) trail leading through Haldon Forest Park, often completed in about 1 hour 47 minutes.
- Mountain biking around Chudleigh is defined by the dedicated trails of Haldon Forest Park, the expansive natural routes of Dartmoor National Park, and the region's rolling countryside. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and difficult rides, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Chudleigh are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. More than 4000 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore Chudleigh's varied terrain.
Last updated: April 28, 2026
4.8
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352
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8.44km
00:45
110m
100m
The Haldon Forest loop of the ridge offers a red-graded mountain biking experience, perfect for proficient riders seeking a technical, fast, and flowing adventure. This 5.2-mile (8.4 km) route, with 349 feet (106 metres) of elevation gain, typically takes around 44 minutes to complete. You'll navigate predominantly singletrack with tight corners, lively descents, and undulating sections that snake through the forest, providing picturesque views of the surrounding woodlands and magnificent vistas of Exeter and the Devonshire countryside from the ridge.
This trail is well-maintained and rideable year-round, thanks to its rocky, flint base, though you might encounter puddles after heavy rain. It features a mix of hardpack and looser gravel, with natural elements like tree roots, ditches, bridges, and boardwalks adding to the dynamic ride. A new 700-meter red section was added in December 2023 to enhance the experience and improve safety, ensuring a fresh challenge for returning riders.
While officially rated as moderate and red-graded, some sections, particularly in the latter half, might feel more like a harder blue or pink grade. The route is part of the larger network at Haldon Forest Park, which also includes easier green and blue trails, a skills area, and a pump track. For an even greater test, you can access the black-graded "Ridge Ride Extreme" from this loop, featuring demanding rocks, berms, drops, and step-downs.
4.8
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325
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10.1km
00:52
100m
100m
The Haldon Forest loop of the blue Spicers & Kiddens trails offers a moderate mountain biking experience through a wooded hilltop. As you ride, you'll navigate a combination of hard-pack gravel and rocky flint surfaces, ensuring year-round rideability. This 6.3-mile (10.1 km) route, which takes about 52 minutes to complete, features a total elevation gain of 324 feet (99 metres). You'll enjoy pleasant forest views, with tall Douglas firs providing shade, and clearings offering panoramic vistas of Exeter and the wider Devonshire countryside, sometimes extending to the coast on clear days. This loop is designed for intermediate cyclists or those looking to build their off-road skills.
This blue-graded loop is part of a well-maintained and waymarked trail network at Haldon Forest Park. You'll find the trail conveniently located close to the park's cafe and car park, making it easy to grab refreshments after your ride. While the rocky flint base makes the trails rideable throughout the year, be prepared for puddles and potentially stream-like conditions if you visit during wetter months or after heavy rain. The park also provides additional amenities like a skills area and pump track if you want to warm up or hone your abilities before tackling the main loop.
This loop combines two distinct blue-graded trails: Spicers and Kiddens. Spicers is an excellent confidence-builder with gentle gradients, ideal if you are progressing from beginner trails or introducing new riders to mountain biking. Kiddens Trail then offers a natural progression, presenting more challenging terrain with greater changes in gradient and singletrack sections, helping you further develop your skills.
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4.8
(77)
900
riders
21.1km
01:47
240m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.9
(7)
93
riders
4.34km
00:22
30m
30m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
82
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Tips from the Community
Not for me on my new e-mtb. Chicken'ed out and went around it.
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Haldon Forest Park opened the new start to the red trail in mid December 2023 and it's fantastic. It's packed gravel with berms at the start, then splits in two. Take the right 'short cut' to cut the entire red in two (or take it to ride back to the start and do the new section again) or stay left to carry on along the new bit and then get onto the usual red. This new section is nowhere near as challenging as the main red, but it's super fast and fun. As it spits you out on the fire track after a short distance, it's great for kids too, who can have a great time on this punchy gravel but bail before the red gets hairy. The way it's set up means it's easy to only do this bit, ride back to the start, and do it again and again.
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Great trail for the whole family. Can relax and cruise or head down and pick up some speed. The full trail is about 7 miles so tough for little ones
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Great little hire shop. £20 for 4 hours and decent bikes for the trials around the forest. Don't forget ID
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Nice and very cycle friendly cafe at Haldon Forest. Plenty of outside bike storage, picnic benches etc as well as indoor seating. Good simple menu for food, snacks, and drinks. Perfectly positioned to ride from here on the surfaced trails of Haldon or to include it as a stop in a longer loop. Open every day.
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As you round the corner on Haldon's Discovery Trail, the woods fall back and the views open up. Looking east, the Exe Valley drops down before your eyes and you can see right across to the other side. On a clear day, this view is always exceptional but autumn evenings or early mornings can be particularly special.
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This new trail feature on the red run is a really testing one, with a left hander followed by a rocky, tight right hand turn down to the fire road. You might need a few attempts before you can get it running fluidly, or at least I did!
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Here you can hire mountain bikes for riding at Haldon Forest Park and enquire about the Segway tours that operate here. It's right next to the cafe, car park, play area and toilets so there's plenty of facilities for all the family. Bike servicing is also offered here, so if your mountain bike could do with a little TLC, it's a great place to come. At the end of the ride, make the most of the bike wash too (a small charge applies), so that's one less thing to clean when you get home! For more information about the hire bikes, availability and pricing, visit: http://www.forestcyclehire.co.uk/
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many mountain bike trails are available around Chudleigh?
There are nearly 100 mountain bike trails around Chudleigh, offering a wide variety of experiences. These routes cater to different skill levels, from easy forest paths to more challenging rides across varied terrain.
What kind of terrain can I expect on mountain bike trails near Chudleigh?
Mountain biking around Chudleigh features diverse terrain, including the extensive woodlands of Haldon Forest Park and the rugged moorlands of Dartmoor National Park. You'll encounter rolling countryside, lush valleys, and areas with limestone cliffs, providing a range of trail experiences.
Are there mountain bike trails suitable for beginners or families?
Yes, Chudleigh offers trails for all abilities. There are 19 easy-graded routes, perfect for beginners or families looking for a more relaxed ride. For example, the Haldon Forest MTB Skills Park loop from Haldon Forest Park is an easy option.
What natural features or landmarks can I see while mountain biking near Chudleigh?
The area is rich in natural beauty. You can explore dramatic limestone cliffs like Chudleigh Rocks, the heathland mosaic of Chudleigh Knighton Heath, or the ancient woodlands of Haldon Forest Park. On Dartmoor, you might encounter prominent natural monuments such as Haytor Rocks, offering panoramic views, or the historic Haytor Quarry Pond with Water Lilies.
Are there any circular mountain bike routes in the area?
Many of the mountain bike routes around Chudleigh are circular, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same point. Examples include the popular Haldon Forest loop of the ridge and the longer Kiddens Trail – Kiddens Trail loop from Haldon Forest Park.
Is parking available at the main mountain biking spots?
Yes, major mountain biking destinations like Haldon Forest Park offer dedicated parking facilities. For trails within Dartmoor National Park, various car parks are available at popular access points. It's always advisable to check specific trailheads for parking information.
Can I reach mountain biking areas by public transport?
While some areas might be accessible by public transport, options can be limited, especially for reaching specific trailheads within Haldon Forest Park or Dartmoor. Planning your journey in advance and checking local bus routes is recommended. Many riders opt for personal transport to access the more remote trails.
Do I need a permit to mountain bike in Haldon Forest Park or Dartmoor National Park?
Generally, you do not need a specific permit for mountain biking on public bridleways and byways within Dartmoor National Park. However, for designated trails within Haldon Forest Park, there might be a charge for parking or specific trail passes. It's best to check the official Haldon Forest Park website for the most current information regarding any required permits or fees.
Are the mountain bike trails around Chudleigh dog-friendly?
Many trails in the Chudleigh area, particularly within Haldon Forest Park and Dartmoor National Park, are dog-friendly. However, it's crucial to keep dogs under control, especially around livestock on Dartmoor, and to follow any specific park regulations regarding leads or restricted areas. Always check local signage.
What do other mountain bikers enjoy most about the trails around Chudleigh?
The mountain bike trails around Chudleigh are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 300 reviews. Riders often praise the diverse terrain, the well-maintained trails within Haldon Forest Park, and the stunning natural beauty of the Dartmoor landscape.
Are there places to eat or drink near the mountain bike trails?
Yes, you'll find various options for refreshments. Haldon Forest Park has a café, and there are pubs and cafes in Chudleigh itself and surrounding villages. Dartmoor National Park also has numerous pubs and tearooms in its villages, perfect for a post-ride meal or drink.
What is the best time of year for mountain biking in Chudleigh?
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking in Chudleigh, with milder temperatures and beautiful scenery. Summer can be great, but trails might be busier. Winter riding is possible, but trails can be muddy and weather conditions more challenging, especially on Dartmoor.
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